Downy mildew has now been observed on butternut squash, jack-o-lantern pumpkins and cucumbers in Knox County. The list of cucurbits observed in Porter County has been updated to include butternut squash and giant pumpkin. All cucurbit growers should assume that downy mildew is present nearby and may attack any cucurbit crop. However, it is not clear what affect…Read more about Downy Mildew of Cucurbit Update[Read More]


Several pumpkin growers have asked me when to stop managing for pumpkin diseases. That is, when should a pumpkin grower stop applying fungicides? I cannot provide a definitive answer for this question; every grower will have to make his or her own decision. Below, however, are some factors to consider. Estimate the crop yield – walk through the…Read more about Late Season Pumpkin Disease Management[Read More]


With the start of pumpkin harvest, it is a good time to review important considerations for harvest and postharvest storage of pumpkins and winter squash (butternut, acorn and hubbard squash etc.). First, pumpkin and winter squash should be harvested fully mature to reach their optimal quality and fulfill their potential for long shelf lives. Characters…Read more about Harvest and Postharvest Storage of Pumpkins and Winter Squash[Read More]


In issue 619 and 620 of the Vegetable Crops Hotline newsletter I gave you a brief background of the materials used and methods followed during the variety evaluation. I also discussed some of the challenges we encountered while doing the trial work. The varieties evaluated included: Entry # Variety 1 Sephia (Galia type) 2 Tirreno…Read more about High Tunnel Evaluation of Vertically-Grown Cantaloupe and Galia Melon Varieties[Read More]


Amanda Deering is the Indiana Leader for the North Central Region Center for Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Training, Extension and Technical Assistance. As the state leader, she is responsible for identifying and notifying partner organizations, businesses, and agencies in Indiana that can assist with communicating and disseminating information about FSMA to fruit and vegetable producers….Read more about North Central Region Center for FSMA Seeking Grower Input[Read More]



The Midwest Cover Crops Council (MCCC) strives to facilitate widespread adoption of cover crops throughout the Midwest, to improve ecological, economic, and social sustainability. The Cover Crop Decision Tool is an initiative by the MCCC to consolidate cover crop information by state to help farmers make cover crop selections at the county level. The tool…Read more about Cover Crop Decision Tool for Vegetable Growers[Read More]


Southwest Indiana Melon and Vegetable Growers’ Technical Meeting  Date: November 28, 2016 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM (EST) Location: Southwest Purdue Ag Center (SWPAC), 4369 N. Purdue Road, Vincennes, IN The meeting will start at 5 P.M. for board members to discuss topics for the March meeting. Any member who wants to participate in the discussion is welcome….Read more about Upcoming Events[Read More]


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Page last modified: September 15, 2016

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